The Ins-N-Outs of In-N-Out Burger: The Inside Story of California’s First Drive-Thru and How it Became a Beloved Cultural Icon
Lynsi Snyder
Nelson Books

The story of a company that put God in charge

I’ve never been to an In-N-Out Burger, but after reading The Ins-N-Outs of In-N-Out Burger, I’m ready to make a trip out west just to have this culinary experience.

There are a lot of good companies in America, companies that provide quality products and service and have a strong customer base. Fewer in number are those great companies, the companies that don’t just have customers, they have raving fans.

In-N-Out Burger is one of those great organizations whose intensely loyal customers are as committed to the company as the company is committed to serving them.

The Ins-N-Outs of In-N-Out Burger opens with a heartwarming message from the company’s first employee, Tom Evans, who is now ninety-six years old. He joined the company in the 1940s when it was just getting started. He wrote:

“In-N-Out Burger began when two slightly acquainted men quit their jobs, combined their assets, and barely managed to erect a building on an isolated rural lot to start a business that neither of them knew how to do.”

It sounds more like a recipe for disaster than for a delicious burger.

Today, that business is still privately held (owned and run by the founders’ granddaughter, Lynsi Snyder), has nearly 400 locations and approximately 38,000 associates (they’re not called employees). As part of the company’s 75^th anniversary celebration, Snyder wrote the book that traces In-N-Out Burger from its humble beginnings to the phenomenal success it is today.

She shares how the menu was developed and why it remains limited; the systems that protect the food quality; the innovations that have made the company a leader; why and how the company has resisted trends and gimmicks common throughout the restaurant industry; and more.

But this isn’t just the story of a business, it’s the story of a family (those related by blood and marriage, and those related by love) told with affection, humor and sometimes painful honesty. And it’s a story of an operation built on a foundation of faith. Snyder writes:

“For me, the absolute most important aspect of our business is one you don’t hear much about in business anymore.

God.

The faith embedded in In-N-Out Burger began with my grandmother. Eventually it found its way to my grandfather, then extended to my father and my uncle. And I’ve been a believer as long as I can remember. Our faith, put in its simplest terms, is about following the person, ministry, and teachings of Jesus Christ and knowing he is the Son of God.”

Each chapter opens with scripture. Throughout the book are delightful pictures of the family and the restaurants, along with fun facts that take you behind the scenes in a special way. The book closes with “Insider Info” sections that are both informative and entertaining, such as the list of Bible verses that are printed on the In-N-Out packaging and the In-N-Out company language.

The Ins-N-Outs of In-N-Out Burger is an easy, entertaining read packed with valuable business information and essential life lessons—ideal for business leaders and students, people of faith, and anyone who enjoys a mouthwatering burger.

Note: images in this post were created with MockupShots.